Ripp'd – Making it easier for users to engage in repairing their backpacks

Abstract

Repair is gaining popularity over the last few years but still is under-represented in society. This project does research backpack repair, especially home repairs by users. Backpacks are generally easy to understand in their construction, as the seams and patterns are visi- ble. Still, repairing is not common because of different factors. User behavior plays an essential part in this! therefore, the thesis focused on user behavior for re- pair.
The research question to answer in this project was how self-repairing a backpack could be made more accessi- ble and motivating for users. This plays into addressing the issue of user behavior for repair and the problems they face regarding backpack repair.
The literature search showed that research in repair had been done on clothing, but there is a gap in back- pack repair. This project also attempts to contribute information to that gap.
Either way, clothing or backpacks, there are several reasons why users do not engage in repair. Known fac- tors that negatively influence engagement in repairing are financial aspects, the lack of skills/knowledge, the missing resources, the time it takes, or the low emo- tional relationship people have with a product. That means the underlying factors can make the efforts to engage in repairing a backpack currently too high. While individual repairs in textiles are not that common for most consumers, that can be caused by companies actively trying to prevent users from repairing, by bad product design, and by consumer behavior.
Talking with experts provided more in-depth informa- tion on the current methods and state of repair for backpacks. In addition, it gave information on the dif- ficulty of providing glue solutions, the complexity of backpack assembly, and sewing as the most accessi- ble technique.
Research on backpack damages was conducted to get specific information on the field. It revealed that the most occurring damage types are ripped fabric fol- lowed by broken zippers.
Common barriers and motivations for users to repair their backpacks were researched through user inter- views. They showed that time, effort, aesthetics, price, and symbolic values are essential for repair.
The insights from the research were used to ideate de- sign solutions that address the found issues. A busi- ness planning was set up for the chosen concept, and analyses of the repair market, target groups, and finan- cial planning were used to refine the concept into a vi- able product and build a brand that makes it desirable.
The final concept, a repair patch, is designed to give users an accessible introduction to repairing and sew- ing. It plays into the emotional journey users perceive during a repair, giving them the confidence to conduct a repair themselves and a positive feeling to finish it. -----------------------------------------------------------------